Canterbury’s mayors are supporting a proposal for a $10.8 billion investment in local transport infrastructure. However, they say that government assistance will be needed. The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee has approved a draft plan for consultation, which highlights the proposed Woodend Bypass and a second bridge in Ashburton as key projects. If adopted, these projects would double transport investment in the region over the next decade.
The committee’s chairperson, Councillor Peter Scott, stated that a $4.6 billion contribution from the central government would be required to fund these projects. The committee includes the region’s mayors, as well as representatives from Environment Canterbury and the Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said that the Woodend bypass, a replacement Skew Bridge in west Kaiapoi, and an eastern Rangiora link road were critical projects for his district. He stated, “These are core infrastructure projects that are long overdue for a growth district like ours and ones we’ve been advocating strongly for over several years.”
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black and Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle both expressed their support for the draft plan, stating that the key projects would benefit the entire South Island.
The proposed increase in funding would start in July 2024. Scott, who also chairs Environment Canterbury, said, “This draft plan outlines how we’d like to invest in future transport solutions for Canterbury, while also providing ongoing stewardship to our existing transport network.”
Transport budgets consist of council funding, direct Crown funding, and the National Land Transport Fund, which includes road user charges and fuel taxes. New Transport Minister Simeon Brown has indicated that a National-led government would commit to building the Woodend Bypass and a second Ashburton bridge. Other projects in the plan include upgrades to Greater Christchurch public transport, the Conway River bridge upgrade in the Hurunui district, and a proposed Rangiora western link road.
